5 things: Erik van Rooyen hot in Mexico once again, leads Mexico Open at Vidanta over cousin of NHL player

The Mexico Open at Vidanta may not have the high-profile leaderboard as some other PGA Tour events, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great storylines coming out of Vidanta Vallarta.

Defending champion Tony Finau is looking to go back-to-back south of the border. Raving about a place where he can play a par-3 course with his kids, Finau, the highest-ranked player in the field, is looking to win on Tour for the fourth season in a row.

He had four birdies in his first-round 69, but did post a double-bogey on the par-4 eighth hole, his second-to-last of the day.

Four golfers defended their title last season. Finau is seeking to be the first to do it in 2024. He was solo second two years ago, losing by a shot to Jon Rahm.

Mexico Open: Photo gallery

After a few weeks of wind and rain, the Tour is enjoying some fantastic weather along the Mexican coast. Here are five more things to know about the first round of the 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta.